Kansas has emerged as a forward-thinking state in social work education, offering multiple CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work programs that bridge the gap between traditional prairie values and modern social service delivery. The state’s online MSW options provide accessible pathways for working professionals and non-traditional students across Kansas’s vast geography, from the metropolitan areas of Kansas City and Wichita to the agricultural heartland communities that define much of the state. These programs emphasize practical competencies in areas such as military and veteran services, frontier mental health practice, substance abuse intervention, and gerontology—specializations that directly respond to Kansas’s demographic profile and the unique challenges faced by its diverse populations.

Kansas’s online MSW curriculum landscape reflects the state’s pragmatic approach to social work education, combining evidence-based practice with hands-on field experiences that prepare graduates to address complex social issues in both clinical and macro practice settings. The state’s emphasis on military family support, given its significant veteran population and proximity to military installations, has influenced program offerings to include specialized training in trauma-informed care and military culture competency. Additionally, Kansas’s agricultural economy and dispersed rural population have shaped MSW programs to include concentrations in rural practice, community development, and telehealth service delivery, ensuring graduates are equipped to serve clients across the state’s diverse economic and geographic sectors while advancing social justice in communities that often face resource limitations and geographic isolation.

2026 Best Kansas MSW Programs Online

At Masters in Social Work Online, we understand the critical role of accessible education in training compassionate social work professionals. Our comprehensive rankings highlight the best online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Kansas, recognizing institutions that deliver high-quality distance learning opportunities for aspiring social workers. These virtual programs offer flexibility for students balancing professional and personal commitments, ensuring that geographical constraints no longer limit educational advancement. By providing rigorous coursework and comprehensive training through online platforms, these programs prepare students to make meaningful community impacts while maintaining their current life responsibilities. Our expert team carefully evaluates each program's curriculum, faculty expertise, student support services, and professional outcomes to present the most accurate and valuable rankings. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS - Public 4-Year - k-state.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Clinical Social Work Practice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Kansas State University's Master of Social Work program, collaboratively developed with the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, offers a dynamic Clinical Social Work Practice concentration. This online and hybrid program provides flexible learning options for working professionals, featuring full-time and part-time study tracks. Students engage in advanced practice methodologies focusing on clinical interventions with individuals, families, and groups. The program distinguishes itself through its innovative blended learning format, allowing students to attend campus classes every other Saturday while completing coursework online. With an Advanced Standing option for BSW holders and potential scholarship opportunities like the $10K Integrated Health Scholars award, students can customize their educational journey in clinical social work practice.

  • Partnership with KU School of Social Welfare
  • Advanced Standing option for BSW holders
  • One-year full-time or two-year part-time
  • Blended learning format
  • Campus classes every other Saturday
  • Two specialization tracks available
  • $10K scholarship for Integrated Health Scholars
  • Clinical and macro practice options
  • Synchronous and asynchronous learning

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Social Work Macro Practice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Kansas State University's Master of Social Work program, in partnership with the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, presents a comprehensive Social Work Macro Practice concentration. This hybrid online program empowers students to develop advanced skills in social service administration and policy development. Designed for flexibility, the program accommodates full-time and part-time students with a blended learning approach that combines online coursework and periodic on-campus sessions. Advanced Standing options are available for BSW graduates, enabling accelerated degree completion. The program's distance learning alternative and two distinct specialization tracks provide students with comprehensive preparation for leadership roles in social service organizations and policy-making environments.

  • Partnership with KU School of Social Welfare
  • Advanced Standing option available
  • One-year full-time or two-year part-time
  • Blended learning format
  • On-campus every other Saturday
  • Two specialization tracks
  • Clinical and macro practice focus
  • $10K scholarship opportunity
  • Integrated Health Scholars Program
  • Distance learning alternative
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#2

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS - Public 4-Year - fhsu.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Clinical - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Fort Hays State University delivers a cutting-edge Clinical Master of Social Work program specifically tailored for working professionals pursuing advanced clinical training. As a hybrid online program, students can complete coursework remotely while participating in three-day intensive clinical sessions. The program offers two pathway options - Regular and Advanced Standing - both leading to clinical social worker licensure. CSWE-accredited and featuring synchronous Zoom sessions, the curriculum emphasizes practical field experiences and simulated real-world training. Military-friendly and designed for flexibility, students benefit from local practicum opportunities and collaborative learning technologies that prepare them for diverse social work environments.

  • Fully online Clinical MSW
  • Two pathway options
  • CSWE fully accredited
  • Priority deadline January 15
  • Final deadline April 15
  • Applications reviewed monthly
  • Three-day clinical intensives
  • Synchronous zoom sessions
  • Local practicum experiences
  • Simulated real-world training
*Source: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 survey data.

List of Kansas Online MSW Programs

Jump to City:

Hays, KS

Fort Hays State University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Clinical - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Fully online Clinical MSW
    • Two pathway options
    • CSWE fully accredited
    • Priority deadline January 15
    • Final deadline April 15
    • Applications reviewed monthly
    • Three-day clinical intensives
    • Synchronous zoom sessions

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Clinical Social Work Practice - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Partnership with KU School of Social Welfare
    • Advanced Standing option for BSW holders
    • One-year full-time or two-year part-time
    • Blended learning format
    • Campus classes every other Saturday
    • Two specialization tracks available
    • $10K scholarship for Integrated Health Scholars
    • Clinical and macro practice options
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Social Work Macro Practice - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Partnership with KU School of Social Welfare
    • Advanced Standing option available
    • One-year full-time or two-year part-time
    • Blended learning format
    • On-campus every other Saturday
    • Two specialization tracks
    • Clinical and macro practice focus
    • $10K scholarship opportunity
*Information from: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 dataset.

2026 Affordable Online Kansas MSW Program Options

Kansas offers several accessible online social work programs designed to help students advance their education without geographic barriers. These virtual learning options enable working professionals and students in cities like Wichita, Kansas City, and Topeka to pursue advanced degrees in social work. Online programs provide flexibility for those balancing career, family, and educational goals, making higher education more attainable. Whether students seek a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, distance learning platforms offer comprehensive opportunities to develop critical skills in social work practice. These remote educational pathways support students across Kansas in achieving their professional development objectives while maintaining their current life commitments.
Fort Hays State University
  • Fully online Clinical MSW
  • Two pathway options
  • CSWE fully accredited
  • Priority deadline January 15
  • Final deadline April 15
  • Applications reviewed monthly
  • Three-day clinical intensives
  • Synchronous zoom sessions
  • $3,800 - $5,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $9,600 - $14,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Kansas State University
  • Partnership with KU School of Social Welfare
  • Advanced Standing option available
  • One-year full-time or two-year part-time
  • Blended learning format
  • On-campus every other Saturday
  • Two specialization tracks
  • Clinical and macro practice focus
  • $10K scholarship opportunity
  • $9,400 - $14,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $20,100 - $30,200 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Higher education statistics sourced from IPEDS 2023 via NCES.

List of Kansas Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Advanced standing MSW programs in Kansas are specifically designed for students who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution, providing an accelerated route to complete their master’s degree. These programs focus on advanced clinical practice, rural community development, and policy advocacy to address Kansas’s distinctive challenges, including agricultural economic transitions, rural healthcare shortages, and serving diverse populations across vast geographic distances. Students develop specialized competencies in areas such as school social work, gerontology, and community mental health while preparing to serve communities ranging from urban centers like Wichita and Kansas City to small farming towns throughout the Great Plains.

Jump to City:

Hays, KS

Fort Hays State University

  • Master's - Advanced Standing MSW Pathway

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • 36 credit hours required
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Professional resume needed
    • Three references required
    • Personal narrative statement
    • Focus on clinical practice
    • Mental disorders assessment

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Advanced Standing option
    • Clinical or macro specializations
    • $10K scholarship available
    • Interprofessional clinical focus
    • On-campus classes bi-weekly
    • Online learning components
    • Full or part-time study
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Clinical Social Work Practice - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • Clinical Social Work Practice concentration.
    • Advanced Standing option.
    • One-year full-time study.
    • Two-year part-time study.
    • Classes every other Saturday.
    • Distance-learning alternate weeks.
    • $10K scholarship available.
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Social Work Macro Practice - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • Advanced Standing option
    • Focus on Macro Practice
    • Scholarships available
    • Flexible full/part-time
    • On-campus classes bi-weekly
    • Online components alternate weeks
    • Prepares for leadership roles

Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University

  • Master's - Master's in Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • One-year Advanced Standing track
    • Two-year Traditional Plan
    • Clinical year focus
    • Weekly coursework schedule
    • Practicum experience included
    • Prepares for diverse social work roles
    • Affordable tuition options

Wichita, KS

Newman University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work - Advanced Standing

    Online Learning - Website

    • 34 credit hours
    • CSWE-accredited
    • Clinical focus
    • Trauma-competent practice
    • Starts summer or fall
    • 16-week courses
    • On-campus delivery
    • Field practicum included
  • Master's - Master of Social Work - Advanced Standing

    Concentration: Trauma Competent Practice - Online Learning - Website

    • 34 Credit hours
    • Online and hybrid formats
    • 16-week courses
    • Trauma Competent Practice focus
    • Field placements included
    • Advanced Standing track
    • Designed for BSW graduates
    • CSWE accredited
*NCES IPEDS database, 2023 release. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2026 Affordable Online Kansas Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Exploring advanced standing social work programs in Kansas offers exciting opportunities for students seeking flexible education paths. Online learning has transformed how professionals can advance their careers, especially in fields like social work. These virtual programs enable students from Wichita, Kansas City, and rural areas to access high-quality graduate education without relocating. Remote learning options provide crucial flexibility for working professionals and those with family commitments. Kansas hosts several respected institutions offering advanced standing master's programs that can be completed more quickly than traditional tracks. These programs help students build essential skills, expand professional networks, and prepare for meaningful careers in social services and community support across the state.
Pittsburg State University
  • Hybrid program format
  • One-year Advanced Standing track
  • Two-year Traditional Plan
  • Clinical year focus
  • Weekly coursework schedule
  • Practicum experience included
  • Prepares for diverse social work roles
  • Affordable tuition options
  • $7,400 - $11,000 (Graduate In-State)
  • $16,000 - $24,000 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Fort Hays State University
  • Hybrid program format
  • 36 credit hours required
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Professional resume needed
  • Three references required
  • Personal narrative statement
  • Focus on clinical practice
  • Mental disorders assessment
  • $3,800 - $5,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $9,600 - $14,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Newman University
  • 34 Credit hours
  • Online and hybrid formats
  • 16-week courses
  • Trauma Competent Practice focus
  • Field placements included
  • Advanced Standing track
  • Designed for BSW graduates
  • CSWE accredited
  • $7,800 - $11,700 (Graduate)
Kansas State University
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Advanced Standing option
  • Focus on Macro Practice
  • Scholarships available
  • Flexible full/part-time
  • On-campus classes bi-weekly
  • Online components alternate weeks
  • Prepares for leadership roles
  • $9,400 - $14,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $20,100 - $30,200 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*NCES, IPEDS 2023 survey, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/